WORK is underway on the build of Aberdeen’s third Cruyff Court in the Tillydrone area of the city.
The two existing courts were built by Hunter Construction, with the local firm having been appointed last month by Aberdeen City Council to deliver the third facility.
Once works are complete in Spring 2024, Aberdeen will join London as being the only two cities in the UK to have three or more Cruyff Courts. The facilities are the work of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, and their presence in Aberdeen is thanks to the ongoing partnership between the charity and the Denis Law Legacy Trust.
The artificial pitches are designed to give children a safe and free-of-charge place to play sports. The two existing Cruyff Courts in Aberdeen are named after Manchester United legend Denis Law, who was born in the city, and the late Aberdeen FC European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup winner, Neale Cooper.
The latest court will be named in honour of Aberdeen Football Club’s legendary captain, Willie Miller, who led the club to its famous Cup Winners’ Cup victory over Real Madrid in 1983.
Mark Oakley, MD of Hunter Construction, said, “This is the third Cruyff Court that we have built within Aberdeen. We have seen first hand the importance that community projects like this have on the city and expect the same from Cruyff Court Willie Miller in Tillydrone. We look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council, Denis Law Legacy trust, and the Cruyff Foundation again.”
Willie Miller commented, “I’m delighted that progress has been made and that the community in Tillydrone will soon be able to use the Cruyff Court. Facilities like this that are free to access make a huge difference in promoting grassroots sport and it is an honour to have my name attached to the project.”
Niels Meijer, director of the Cruyff Foundation, added, “We all know that lots of kids move too less and are often behind screens nowadays. These Cruyff Courts provide children and young people with a safe accessible space to be active, have fun together and to grow through sports physically and mentally. We are delighted to realise this 3rd court in Aberdeen with support of players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and such great partners.”
David Suttie, trustee at the Denis Law Legacy Trust, commented, “It’s fantastic news that we have now reached the stage of the appointed contractor starting on site.
“The building of Aberdeen’s third Cruyff Court at Tillydrone is a great achievement by the partnership of Aberdeen City Council, The Johan Cruyff Foundation and Denis Law Legacy Trust. We are delighted that work has now started on this fabulous new facility which we know from experience will make a huge difference in the local community. Our Streetsport sessions will, I’m sure, be very popular.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Ian Yuill said: “This new Cruyff Court will be a great new resource for Tillydrone. I am looking forward to seeing it in use as a place where people can come together and stay active.”
